It has been called the first epidemic of the 21st century, impacting roughly one in ten Australians today. Diabetes is an ailment that is related to the body’s management of blood sugar levels, and it impacts a huge – and growing – number of Australians.

Indirectly, the number is considerably higher, as many people who are coping with it are reliant upon the care of family and friends. It is an ailment that is highly impactful upon our economy, due to lost hours of work, and its continued spread is something that has bred calls in Canberra for remediation. There are a large variety of knock-on health effects, and our oral health is not immune from this. Recently, researchers have discovered a link between gum health, and diabetes.

It has been long known that diabetes can worsen gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Someone coping with diabetes will often experience an increase in swelling, which can impact upon the swelling that is experienced by infected gums. This can hurt their ability to fight the infection, or heal. Your Brookvale and Penrith dentist at No Gaps recommends that diabetics don’t skimp on their visits, as early detection of these ailments is crucial.

What was less well-known, however, has been the impact of periodontitis and gingivitis on the development of diabetes. A link has recently been established through medical research, and it is thought that the more porous gums of people suffering from gum disease offer a more direct access for sugars in to the bloodstream. However, this link will take more research to fully uncover.

As one of the biggest health issues facing the Australian population, diabetes is something that we must remain aware of, to ensure a healthy population. If you are worried about your gum health, regular visits to your Brookvale and Penrith dentist at No Gaps is one of the best methods of keeping your gums healthy. Contact us today and book your appointment.